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Craving something comforting yet a bit fancy? This Crab Pasta Casserole is your answer. Combining tender pasta, succulent crab meat, and gooey cheddar cheese, it's a dish that brings the best of both worlds. Topped with buttery bread crumbs for that perfect crunch, this casserole is a surefire hit for any dinner table. Ready to dive in?
Ingredients:
- 8 oz uncooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked and flaked crab meat
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crab meat, cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle over the pasta mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
What You Will Need
Read more: Imitation Crab Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make crab pasta casserole
- Pasta: Provides the base and texture, absorbing flavors from the other ingredients, making the dish hearty and satisfying.
- Crab meat: Adds a sweet, delicate seafood flavor, elevating the dish with its unique taste and tender texture.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, rich layer, binding the ingredients together and adding a savory depth.
- Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy sauce that blends the flavors, ensuring the casserole is moist and cohesive.
- Bread crumbs: Adds a crunchy, golden topping, contrasting the creamy interior and providing a satisfying texture.
- Butter: Enhances the bread crumbs, giving them a rich, buttery flavor and helping them brown beautifully.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Crab Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Large pot: Needed to cook the pasta until al dente, ensuring it holds up well in the casserole.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining pasta, crab meat, cheese, milk, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Baking dish: Used to bake the casserole, providing even heat distribution for a golden, bubbly top.
- Small bowl: Handy for mixing bread crumbs with melted butter, creating a crunchy topping.
- Oven: Crucial for baking the casserole at the right temperature, ensuring it cooks through perfectly.
Crab Pasta Casserole Recipe
A delicious and creamy crab pasta casserole that's perfect for a family dinner.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta uncooked
- 1 cup Crab Meat cooked and flaked
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
- 1/4 cup Butter melted
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crab meat, cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle over the pasta mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Feel free to add some vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Read more: Crab Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole as directed but don't bake it.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but don't bake it.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if needed.
Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the crab pasta casserole can enhance the flavor by bringing out the natural sweetness of the crab meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, just drain it well before using.
What type of pasta works best?
Any short pasta like penne or rotini works great.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely, peas or bell peppers are good options.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze it before baking for up to 2 months.
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